"People are naturally divided during the general elections. They will go ahead with their own political preferences but this situation will not create conflict and unrest. It will soon be over," he told journalists in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Kalla argued that he had never seen prolonged conflicts in society caused by different political preferences during the various general elections held during the New Order and Reformation Era.
On the day of the elections, voters might cast their votes for distinct legislative candidates or pairs of presidential and vice presidential candidates, but several days later, they return to their normal lives, he said.
"In the government, for instance, the elite belonging to different political parties may have distinct political preferences. But once they join the government, most of them will accept it as it is. They are keen on being reunited," he said.
The gesture of unity and honor has always been showcased by the Joko Widodo-Ma'ruf Amin and Prabowo Subianto-Sandiaga Uno pairs at the end of every round of debates.
"They embrace after the debates. They do not have negative sentiments. This is a good lesson for all," Kalla said.
In September 2018, the General Election Commission (KPU) facilitated contesting political elites, including the two pairs of Indonesia's presidential and vice presidential candidates, to conduct peaceful and fair campaigns. They had also sent a clear message of the need to preserve the nation's unity in diversity amid the fact that the people will have different political preferences.
On April 17, around 192 million eligible voters across Indonesia will flock to polling booths to cast their votes for their representatives at the House of Representatives (DPR), Regional Representatives Council (DPD), as well as provincial and district/city legislative bodies.
They will also vote for their preferred pair of presidential and vice presidential candidates.
The voting process will be conducted at ballot booths from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. local time. EDITED BY INE
Translator: Fransiska N, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
